Road Bike

Hey bikers!

Did you know that a saddle bag offers you the most convenient way of carrying your essentials as you cycle outdoors?

Unlike the bulky backpack that affects your bike aerodynamics, the saddle bag easily attaches below your bike seat to help you carry all your essential bits— like maps, smartphone, flashlights, IDs, keys, repair kit, name them!

Better yet, it’s quite affordable and spacious enough to hold all your items.

With that said, the task of getting a quality saddlebag has NEVER been easy. The market is filled with thousands of models, most of which will not meet your specific needs.

Luckily, we’ve composed this post to help you out.

By the time you’re done reading this guide, you’ll have discovered the 10 best saddle bags for your MTB or road bike on the market this year.

What’s more;

You’ll get to learn our exclusive tips and tricks for choosing the perfect saddle bag for your road bike or MTB.

Let’s do this…

Why Use A Saddle Bag?

Before we delve into the details, let’s first seek a better understanding of the saddle bag and how it helps you carry important stuff…

First, it’s important to understand that a saddlebag attaches to your bike saddle, where it securely sits on the seat post and saddle rails. It’s compact and lightweight in nature, so it doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your bike.

The main reason why we advise you to install a saddle bag on your bike is the convenient storage it offers you. Different saddlebags come in different sizes so that you can choose a size that will fit all your stuff.

While some cyclists prefer using the backpack, we still believe that saddlebags are the best option. Yes, the pack will hold all your items, but keep in mind that it’s bulky. As such, it can easily lower your bike aerodynamics which will directly affect your rides.

A typical saddlebag, on the other hand, features an aerodynamic shape and won’t compromise your ride quality. Neither will it interfere with the bike stability.

If you get the best bike saddle bag for your road or mountain bike, you’ll also enjoy using it for a prolonged period of time. This is because these bags are made from durable materials which enable them to hold up to any outdoor abuse.

When it comes to cost, the saddlebags are incredibly cheap and affordable! Even when you’re on a tight budget, you’ll get a quality bag that meets your storage needs.

There are endless reasons why you should install that saddlebag on your bike today (these are just a few of them.)

Next, you’ll discover the 10 top-rated saddle bags that you should install on your road and MTB bikes today…

Our Best Saddle Bag Picks:

1. BV Bicycle Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag Review:

BV Bicycle Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag is one of the quality bags designed using durable materials for longevity. It comes in 3 mains sizes- small, medium, and large- to let you choose the perfect size for all your items. The medium and large sizes also come with an expandable feature to allow you to increase the storage size when necessary.

Installing the bag on your bike is quite easy, thanks to its strap-on mounting design. The back will securely attach to your seat post or under your bike seat. Furthermore, it comes with an adjustable Velcro which makes it easy to attach/detach the bag from your bike, making the installation even easier.

The bag features a big zippered opening which makes it easy for you to access your items.

The manufacturer also has your safety in mind when designing this bag, as seen in the top-quality 3M Scotchlite reflective trim integrated into the bag. This enhances your visibility at night. Not just that, it also has a taillight hanger where you can attach a bike light for extra safety.

On top of it all, it’s made using an impact resistant mesh that keeps your valuable items safe when cycling at high speed or through rough trails.

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2. BV Bicycle Y-Series Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag:

The BV Bicycle Y-Series Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag also makes the best bike seat bag for your road bike or MTB. Like its cousin above, it also comes in multiple sizes (ranging from extra small to large) to let you choose the most suitable size for you.

Whatever size you go with, one thing is for sure— you’ll have more than enough space for hanging all your essentials. You can carry just anything with this bag, including a pump, flashlight, spare tube, cell phone, etc. And given the fact that this bag is also made using impact-resistant mesh, it’ll also safely hold all your valuable stuff as you entirely concentrate on cycling.

This bag is also like the previously discovered BV in that it also features a big zippered opening. Again, this facilitates easy access to your items.

Your safety also comes first in this bag. It incorporates the high-quality reflective material as well, which improved night visibility. Besides, it also offers you a taillight hanger for even better night cycling safety.

If having any doubts on whether you should purchase this bag or not, the quality guarantee plus 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer should be enough to convince you that this product is worth every penny.

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3. AmazonBasics Strap-On Wedge Saddle Bag for Cycling:

AmazonBasics, a brand of Amazon, has a reputation for its quality products that don’t disappoint. Our third place goes to their Strap-On Wedge Saddle Bag for Cycling. It also comes in various sizes, including small, medium, and large, to meet your specific storage needs.

The extremely easy to install saddlebag easily and quickly secures under your seat or to seat post with its adjustable Velcro connection. And once in place, you can trust the durable zippered bag to hold all your essentials. The mesh pocket inside the bag can be great for holding smaller items for quick access.

As for your safety, this bag also features reflective safety strip plus taillight loop, all of which work together to enhance your visibility when cycling in the dark.

As with the previous models, this bag also features a durable, 100% weather-resistant constriction. This does not only mean that it’ll hold up for an extended period of time, but it also assures you that all your items will remain protected, even in muddy, rainy, or dusty weather conditions.

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4. TOPEAK Large Aero Wedge Pack With Straps:

The TOPEAK Large Aero Wedge Pack also made it to our bike seat bag reviews due to its unmatched quality. The bag is constructed from 1200 denier polyester material which grants it the ability to hold up to any abuse for a longer period.

In addition to that, it also boasts of a lightweight DuPont Teflon coating. This adds to the overall quality and durability of the bag while making it 100% weather resistant.

You’ll also love the fact that this bag comes with the traditional strap mounting design—with the included plastic buckle and nylon straps—to facilitate a hassle-free, quick installation process.

And just like our previously discussed models, this cycling pack also has 3M reflective strips as well as rear taillight hook to help improve your visibility (and safety) while cycling in the dark.

Above all this, it comes in a variety of sizes (micro, small, medium, and large) to let you choose the size that best matches your storage requirements.

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5. BV Bicycle Strap-On Saddle Bag:

If you’re looking for best road bike saddle bag that comes with an affordable price tag, this BV Bicycle Strap-On Saddle Bag doesn’t disappoint.

It shares the same quality and features with all the other models from BV we’ve precisely reviewed. For instance, it has a super easy installation, where it comes with a strap-on mounting design to let you quickly and easily secure it on your seat post or under your seat. The adjustable Velcro strap design allows for easy attachment and detachment of the bag.

Another great thing about this bag is that it presents you with a patented zipper opening to allow you to easily access all the items in your bag. And once inside the bag, you’ll get a mesh pocket where you can conveniently stash your small stuff.

Like all the other BV saddlebags, it also features high-quality reflective trims in addition to taillight hanger to let you enjoy safer rides.

Other notable features that make up this bag include a robust, lightweight design which extends its lifespan, ability to fit on nearly all adult bikes and availability in different sizes.

And oh! It also presents you with great quality guarantee and one-year limited warranty which acts as an assurance of its quality and performance.

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6. Ibera Bicycle Water Resistant Bike Saddle Bag:

For the bikers who put style as a priority, this is your part. The simplistic Ibera Bicycle Water Resistant Bike Saddle Bag comes in up to 6 stylish color options that will make your bike stand out from the rest when cycling.

Other than looks, this saddle bag is also capacious for holding everything you need to carry with you, including all your essential bike tools and useful items.

Regarding its design, it’s made using top-quality, waterproof material which means it can withstand the harshest weather elements out there, and last for longer than the average saddle bag.

This saddle presents you with an even simpler installation process. It eliminates the tricky straps and buckles associated with the other bags. Instead, it features a simple, two-connection strap-on mounting system that fits on mots beak seats for quicker, easier installation!

Like all the other saddlebags we’ve featured on this list, this bag also provides you with a rear taillight hanger for safety purposes. That is, it enables you to attach a light to the back to make you visible during the night.

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7. Stansport Saddle Bag:

Stansport Saddle Bag features an entirely different design from all the other models we’ve reviewed so far. But that doesn’t make it any less qualified as the best mtb saddle bag.

The unique design involves two large pockets with double strap flap covers for keeping all your items secure, allowing you to fully concentrate on your cycling game. The two pockets pointedly offer you as big as 1056 cubic inch storage—a space enough for holding anything and everything a cyclist would want to carry with them outdoors.

But the real catch in this bag comes in its construction quality. It is designed using heavy-duty cotton duck, reinforced with vinyl backing, to make it one of the most durable saddlebags you can get on the market today! As if that’s not enough, all the stress points come fully reinforced for extra strength and durability.

Even with such excellent quality and impressive features, this bag comes at a pocket-friendly price that any biker can afford.

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8. CyclingHero Compact Waterproof Bike Bag:

Still looking for the best saddle bag for mountain bike or road bike? If yes, this CyclingHero Compact Waterproof Bike Bag can also be a great option. Designed by cyclists for cyclists, this particular bag is stronger and sleeker than most of its rivals.

The bag lets you carry everything that you need for the day cycling trip. It can easily hold a spare tube, CO2 kit, smart tool, an emergency light, and so much more!

With this bag, you’ll never have to worry about the rains or water damaging your valued stuff. This comes from the fact that the bag features a fully waterproof design that keeps all your items 100% safe and free (and dry), even in the most extreme weather conditions.

No more stress while trying to open sticky, grit-infested zippers! This bag comes with roll closure design which not only further restricts water from getting inside but also makes it easy for you to open or close your bag.

Probably the best part about this bag is that it’s designed to last and last. It’s made of 840D Nylon plus TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane). As you’ll all agree, such a combination will create the strongest bonding of the seams without necessarily using any perishable sewing.

Did we mention that this bag offers you a lifetime money-back guarantee, with no questions asked?

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9. Cashel Quality Deluxe Medium Horse Saddle Pommel Horn Bag:

The Cashel Quality Deluxe Medium Horse Saddle Pommel Horn Bag is the only bag on this list whose design looks almost similar to that of the Stansport Saddle Bag we reviewed at position 7.

Designed to easily fit over your bike horn, this bag also features unique hook and loop straps that easily attach around the pommel for hassle-free and faster installation.

Inside this bag, you’ll get fully padded and insulated pockets that safely hold all your essentials. In addition to this, the bag presents you with two water bottle pockets plus a camera or cell phone pockets for easy access.

It’s also important to note that this bag is made to last. It features a quality construction of the 600-Denier Material whose unmatched durability, even when exposed to the roughest abuse, will make it last a lifetime.

Keep in mind that this bag comes in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can choose something that matches all your needs.

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10. Lumintrail Strap-on Bike Saddle Bag:

The last best road bike saddle bag we’d recommend you to buy is the Lumintrail Strap-on Bike Saddle Bag. This is an incredibly affordable bag that offers you a list of remarkable features you might not find in the other models within the same price range.

Despite featuring a compact design, this bag offers you just the right space you need to store all your cycling necessities. It comes in both medium (8”L x 4”W x 2” D) and large (9” L x 5”W x 3” D) options to let you choose the best capacity for you.

Inside this bag, you’ll get a large compartment where you can store all your larger tools. Still, on the inside, you’ll get a key clip and mesh pocket for additional convenient storage. And on the outside, you’ll get 2 smaller side components that act as extra storage.

Just like all the other bags that made it to our list, this Lumintrail also features a durable construction. It has 100% polyester weather resistant material that keeps all your items safe in harsh weather conditions while extending the life of the bag.

You’ll also quickly note that this bag features reflective strips on all its 3 sides—in addition to taillight loop—which goes a long way in increasing your visibility when riding on the road at night.

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Saddle Bag Buying Guide: What To Look For?

“What should I look for to help me choose a quality saddle bag for my road/MTB bike?”

If you’re asking yourself this question, this is your part.

Below, we’ve outlined our exclusive tips and tricks on how to choose the most suitable bike seat bag that matches your specific storage needs.

What’s the quality of the bag construction material?

The first thing that should play in your mind when looking for the best saddlebag for your bike is its overall quality.

You want a bag that can last for a longer period, not a model that sends you back to the stores every month. Go for a bag made using durable and robust material that doesn’t tear easily or loses its shape when under heavy load.

Getting waterproof material that offers high resistance to harsh weather elements is also recommended.

How many items do you plan to carry?

Next, you should check how much storage space the bag offers you, and if it matches your individual storage needs.

The truth about saddlebags is that they come in different sizes, ranging from small to medium, and even large.

To get a good idea of what bag size you need, check the things you plan to take with you as you cycle your MTB or road bike out there

If you've got a larger list of items to carry, go for a spacious bag. If you’ve fewer things to carry, however, a small or medium sized bag will do.

Ease of installation

While most of the saddlebags out there feature an almost similar installation method, the ease of installation tends to differ from model to model.

With that in mind, you’d want to ensure that the bag you pick is easy to install, so it doesn’t take up your time and effort trying to attach it on the saddle for hours.

Look for a bag that comes with convenient straps— flexible and not-so-thick straps will work better.

At the same time, ensure the straps feature sturdy Snap-on buckles that you can lock/unlock effortlessly.

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Saddle Bag Checklist: What You Should Keep In It and Why?

Before we call an end to our list, we’d like to teach you one more thing— the must-have items in your saddle bag (and why you should have them).

Read the full saddlebag checklist below:

1. Multi-tool

A multi-tool that covers all the standard bike bolt sizes will help you easily and quickly carry out all your minor roadside bike adjustments.

A great multi-tool should feature a chain breaker, several screwdrivers, and any other extra ride-saving bits.

2. Tire Levers

Tire levers don’t take up much space in your saddle bag. And at the same time, they make your job of changing your bike tube quite easy and fast.

Be sure to include at least two levers in your saddle bag.

3. Spare tubes, patch kit, and inflation

You should also make a point of carrying at least an extra inner tube, pump and even patch kit with you, just in case you get a puncture while outdoors.

4. Identification

You should ensure you carry an identification card in your seat bag. Needless to mention, the card should bear your important details such as your full name, emergency contact info, and any other relevant info that’ll help people easily offer you the necessary assistance in case of an accident.

5. Map

If you’re not sure about the place you plan to cycle in, or you have never been there before, carrying a map can ensure you don’t get lost.

6. Flashlight

Including a flashlight in your mtb or road saddle bike is also a good idea as it helps you easily find your way if it gets dark when you’re out there.

You might also consider carrying an extra battery pack with you for added convenience.

7. Cellphone

Wouldn’t you like to keep in contact with your friends or family when out there?

8. Cash

Yes, you might also consider stashing some money in your saddle bag. You can then use this cash to purchase new a tube if need be or even take a taxi back home if you get stuck on the road.

Final Verdict

Now you have it; the 10 best saddle bag reviews on the market this year!

As we’ve explained to you above, ALL the 10 models were picked were picked to match your specific storage needs when cycling your MTB or road bike

If you order one of these top-quality saddle bags today, you’ll not turn back.

And if you opt to do the selection on your own, make sure you follow the important factors we’ve outlined for you in this guide. This will save you from falling from the poorly designed models that come disguised in the ‘best saddle bag for road bike or mtb’ label.